How can we apply the strategy in 2 Samuel 15:35 to spiritual warfare? Setting the Scene Absalom has seized Jerusalem, and David is on the run. David assigns Hushai to infiltrate Absalom’s court, promising the support of Zadok and Abiathar. “Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the palace.” (2 Samuel 15:35) David’s strategy: place a loyal friend inside enemy territory, gather intelligence, relay it through trusted channels, and act accordingly. Spiritual Intelligence: Learning from David’s Plan • The enemy has schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). • We need reliable intelligence on those schemes. • God provides intelligence through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Why Intelligence Matters in Spiritual Warfare 1. Discernment keeps us from fighting the wrong battles (Ephesians 6:12). 2. Early warnings expose traps before we step into them (1 Peter 5:8). 3. Timely information positions us to help others under attack (Galatians 6:1-2). Spiritual Reconnaissance Tools • Scripture: “For the word of God is living and active… able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) • The Holy Spirit: “He will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26) • God-fearing friends: like Hushai and the priests, fellow believers alert us to danger (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Maintaining Secure Communication Lines • Prayer: our encrypted channel to the throne room (Philippians 4:6-7). • Confession and transparency: sin disrupts the signal (Psalm 66:18). • Mutual accountability: trusted believers relay truth and correction (Proverbs 27:17). Countering the Enemy’s Schemes • Identify lies with biblical truth (Matthew 4:4). • Disrupt his plans by obeying promptly (James 4:7). • Strengthen vulnerable areas before attack comes (Ephesians 6:13-17). Practical Steps for Today 1. Start each day in Scripture—receive fresh intel. 2. Ask the Spirit to spotlight anything the enemy is plotting nearby. 3. Cultivate two or three “Zadoks and Abiathars”—friends who will pray, warn, and encourage. 4. When you sense opposition, share quickly with those allies; don’t fight solo. 5. Act on the intelligence God gives—delayed obedience aids the adversary. Encouragement for the Battle God never leaves His people uninformed or undefended. He places us, like Hushai, exactly where we can gather insight, relay it, and see victory. “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6) |
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